Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

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Scirpus atrovirens, commonly known as Dark Green Bulrush, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, ditches, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to wet soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and habitat restoration projects.

This robust plant features tall, triangular stems and long, narrow, dark green leaves that arch gracefully. From late spring to summer, it produces dense, clustered spikelets near the tops of the stems, often drooping to one side. These dark brown to purplish-brown flower clusters give the plant its common name. Dark Green Bulrush typically grows 2.5 to 4 feet tall and forms dense, clumping stands.

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Scirpus atrovirens is a functional and ecologically important species for wetland and riparian plantings. It provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and amphibians, helps filter and retain stormwater, and supports pollinators and beneficial insects. Its structural form and resilience make it a reliable choice for both naturalized and designed wetland environments.

Size:

Scirpus atrovirens, commonly known as Dark Green Bulrush, is a native perennial sedge found in wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, ditches, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to wet soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and habitat restoration projects.

This robust plant features tall, triangular stems and long, narrow, dark green leaves that arch gracefully. From late spring to summer, it produces dense, clustered spikelets near the tops of the stems, often drooping to one side. These dark brown to purplish-brown flower clusters give the plant its common name. Dark Green Bulrush typically grows 2.5 to 4 feet tall and forms dense, clumping stands.

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Scirpus atrovirens is a functional and ecologically important species for wetland and riparian plantings. It provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and amphibians, helps filter and retain stormwater, and supports pollinators and beneficial insects. Its structural form and resilience make it a reliable choice for both naturalized and designed wetland environments.

Bloom: early to mid-summer

Habitats: drainage ditches; low areas along ponds and rivers; marshes; openings in floodplain woodlands; openings in upland woodlands; sedge meadows; seeps; sloughs and prairie swales; wet to moist black soil prairies; wet to moist clay prairies; wet to moist dolomite prairies; wet to moist sand prairies

Lifespan: perennial

Moisture: wet to moist

Plant type (height): sedge (2.5 to 4 feet)

Requirements: full sun to partial sun

Soil: abundant organic material; clay; gravel; sand